In a statement released on his official Instagram account, Dr. Saraki, who served as the 13th President of the Nigerian Senate from 2015 to 2019, reflected on his personal relationship with the late president and the enduring impact of Yar’Adua’s leadership style.
The former Senate President emphasised Yar’Adua’s approach to governance, noting that his leadership exemplified duty, humility, and justice rather than the pursuit of power. Saraki’s tribute highlighted how Yar’Adua’s principled stance on transparency and governance continues to serve as a model for Nigerian politicians today.
Yar’Adua, who served as President of Nigeria from 2007 until his death in 2010, was widely respected for his integrity. Before ascending to the presidency, he served two terms as Governor of Katsina State from 1999 to 2007, where he became the first Nigerian governor to publicly declare his assets, setting a precedent for transparency in public office.